Apparatus for tunnel construction.



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APPLICATION FILED MAR. 17, 1909.

v 1 Patented Sept. 5, 1911.

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Patented Sept. 5,1911.

0. KING & M. B. BUNDLE. APPARATUS FOR TUNNEL CONSTRUCTION. APPLICATION FILED MAR. 17, 1909. 1 002,524, Patented Sept. 5,1911.

V tus IMVENTURS ATTORNEY WITNESSES: 44 in UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

COLEMAN KING, OF WEEHAWKEN, AND MILTON B. BUNDLE, OF WEST HOBOKEN, NEW JERSEY.

APPARATUS FOR TUNNEL CONSTRUCTION.

T 0 all whom it may concern:

Be it known that we, COLEMAN KING and MILTON B. BUNDLE, both citizens of the United States, and residents, respectively, of Veehawken and West Hoboken, county of Hudson, and State of New Jersey, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Apparatus for Tunnel Construction, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to apparatus designed to facilitate the work of lining passage ways beneath the surface level, such as subways, sewers, tunnels, etc., all of which are herein designated under the generic term of tunnels.

One object of the invention is to provide a convenient apparatus which will suitably support hold in place the lining material for the tunnel section under construction during the time such lining material is being put into position.

Another object of the invention is to provide a passage way through the tunnel section under construction for the removal of loose material or muck in advance of such section, without interfering with the work of lining the section under construct-ion.

Another object of the invention is to secure greater despatch in the work of lining tunnels without interfering with the removal of muck.

. The invention consists of the apparatus and features thereof hereinafter described and shown in the accompanying drawings and pointed out in the claims.

In the accompanying drawings forming part of this specification, and in which like reference numerals designate corresponding parts,--Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional elevation showing the apparatus in working position in the tunnel; Fig. 2 is a transverse sectional elevation of the tunnel showing a front elevation of the apparatus; Fig. 3 shows a rear end elevation of the apparatus, the profile framing being shown in section; Fig. 4 is a reduced side elevation showing the muck track and the car for supporting the track which runs through the tunnel section under construction; Fig. 5 is a detail view showing a top joint of the rib; Fig. 6 is a detail view showing a side joint of the sectional ribs of the profile framing and the manner of supporting the ribs; and Fig. 7 is a plan View of a hanger bracket.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed March 17, 1809.

Patented Sept. 5, 1911.

Serial No. 484,039. 7

Referring now more specifically to the drawings,1 indicates the circular wall of an underground tunnel.

2 is the lining material which, in the present instance, is concrete.

3 is. an elevated traveling stage having side girders 4, 4, long front legs 5, 5 and short rear legs 6, 6. These legs are provided with wheels, as shown, for convenience in moving the stage. The girders 4, 4 support elevated cross beams 7 on which rests a platform 8 and track rails 9. A truck 10 runs on these rails 9, and is used to hold a supply of the lining material. The stage is of such length as to span longitudinally the tunnel section under construction. This tunnel section under construction is somewhat shorter than the length of the stage. The stage is shown as occupying the tunnel section under construction and ready for the work to begin of applying the concrete lining to this tunnel section. The lining 2 belongs to the tunnel section which has been last completed and is, therefore, in the rear of the sect-ion under construction. It will be seen that the stage 3 is supported beyond the tunnel section under construction and that it leaves a clear, open way beneath it and through said tunnel section. V

The profile framing consists of a shell 11 secured to and carried by a series of ribs 12. In the present instance, this shell is shown in the form of wooden strips constituting a lagging, the strips being detachably secured to the ribs by means of cleats. These cleats are in the form of bolts 13 passing through the lagging and plates 14 carried on the bolts and which engage with a flange of the I beam of which each rib is made. Only a few of these cleats are shown, illustration of the full number required being omitted for the sake of clearness. In the present in stance, the lagging is intended to remain in position only so long as is required for the cement lining to become set. It is designed to be then removed and used over again in applying the lining to the next section. The shell is supportedin position by means of the stage 3. For this purpose the girders 4, 4, are preferably provided with sets of opposite supporting brackets 15 and 16, there being two opposite brackets for each rib 12. Each rib 12 is provided with corresponding sets of opposite hanger brackets 17 and 18. These brackets overlap each other when the ribs are in position, and be-' tween each cooperating pair of brackets is interposed a removable block of wood 19 of suitable thickness. For the purpose of ready assemblage and removal, the ribs are made in sections connected together by tie plates. IVhere the profile framingis tubular in form the ribs form a complete circle or ring, the two lower sections of each rib being of equal length and preferably somewhat longer than the twoupper sections of the rib. The section joints of these ribs will hereafter be described. Each rib is also provided with two opposite track brackets 20 and 21 by means of which rails 22 and 23 are supported and on which rails the rear wheels of the stage rest. The front wheels of the stage rest upon rails 24 and 25 of a temporary track which is supported on the floor of the unfinished tunnel in ad- 7 Vance of the section under construction.

The rails 22 and 23 are supported on the ribs left in thetunnel section last completed. When the lining of this section has become sufliciently set the profile framing is taken down and used over again. But the stage will have been already movedforward to occupy the new tunnel section under construction. To enable this to be done, other rails, such as the rail 26, will be laid on the brackets 20 and 21 of the ribs 12 so that the rear wheels of the stage may move forward on to these rails 26. In most cases the adjoining ends of the rails, such as 22 and" 26, would be supported on the same rib bracket, such as 20. In some cases, it may happen, however, that a rail such as 26 may terminate at a point between two of these brackets. In this case a bridge piece 27 is employed to span the adjoining brackets so that the adjoining ends of the two rails may be supported on this bridge piece. This is shown at the left end of the rail 26 in Fig. 1. For the purpose of supporting the bridge piece 27 underneath the rail, each rib bracket is provided with a flange 28 on which the ends of the bridge piece may rest.

29 and 30 are two jack screws by means of which the front end of the stage 3 may be laterally adjusted so as to conform to the axis of the tunnel, whether this axis is a straight line or laterally curved or inclined. These jack screws are preferably secured to the stage on the side girders 4 thereof being arranged to swing to and from position on swivels, as shown. The position of the rear endv of the stage is determined by the track rails 22 and 23. The rails 25 and 26 for the forward ends of the stage 3 may be blocked up on cross ties or blocks 31 so as to form a track for the forward end of the stage. This track need eX- tend but little farther than the length of the stage, the section of the track behind the legs5 being removed to make way for the 12 remaining in the finished tunnel section.

The forward wheels of the car 33 rest upon rails 35 supported upon the floor of the unfinished tunnel in advance of the tunnel section under construction. When the stage 3 is to be moved forward to a new position, the muck track 32 is jacked up and the car 33 is moved forward under the muck track until it has been brought into its new position beneath the stage 3. The track is then 'let down upon the car 33. For this purpose rails are laid on the ribs 12 of the section just completed and in alinement with the rails 34 so that the rear wheels of the car may pass forward. The front wheels of the car 33 move forward over temporary rails 35 of sufficient length for the car to move into its new position. Thereafter, these rails 35 behind the front wheels of the car 33 are removed to make way for the profile framing to be erected.

The shell of the profile framing may consist of any suitable material and may act either as a temporary support for the concrete or other lining, or it may remain permanently in position with or without the ribs 12 and itself constituting the inner tunnel lining. Where the shell is not to remain permanently in place, it will generally be made of wooden strips constituting a lagging, as shown in the drawings. In this case, of course, the profile framing is taken down after it has accomplished its purpose and is used over again. For the ready assembling and removing of the profile framing, the lagging is secured to the ribs by means of cleats already described and the ribs themselves are made in sections joined together. When the ribs are made in the form of a ring, as shown, each is preferably made in four sections the joints of which are arranged on either side and at top and bottom.

The upper joint for the rib section is shown in Fig. 5. In this case, the meeting ends of the rib sections are inclined or beveled, and tie plates or fish plates are riveted to the adjoining ends of the sections, the tie plate 39 being riveted on one side of its rib section and the tie plate 10 being riveted to the opposite side of the other section. When the parts are brought together so as to complete a joint, these tie plates register with each other on opposite sides 7 of the rib sections and removable bolts are p the bracket 15.

passed through the holes 41 and the holes 42 which register with each other. In taking down the rib, the bolts are removed from the holes 41 and 42 and the adjoining ends of the rib sections are separated laterally. The lower joint for the rib-sections may be constructed in the same way as shown in Fig. 5 or they may have the meeting ends of the rib sections made vertical instead of oblique, as shown in Fig. 2. One of the side joints is shown in detail in Fig. 6. As there shown, the upper section of the rib has riveted to it on either side two tie plates 36 and 37. It also has a heel plate 38 riveted to it on its inner side and projecting beyond the end of the section so as to meet the upper end of the hanger bracket 17 riveted to the lower section of the rib. The upper end of the bracket 17 terminates below the upper end of the rib section to which it is secured. WVhen the upper section of the rib is being put in place, its heel plate is brought to rest upon the upper edge of the bracket 17. The free end of the upper section is then swung upward into position thereby bringing the tie plates 86 and 37 into proper position on either side of the lower rib section. A removable bolt is then passed through this lower rib section and the tie plates, suitable holes being provided for this purpose, as shown. When the upper section is to be taken down, this bolt is removed and the upper section is swung downward, the free end of the heel plate 38 acting as a center.

In a preferred form of hanger bracket 17, each bracket is provided with slots 43 for the bolts which secure the bracket and block 19 in place on the bracket 18. These slots permit the bracket and its attached rib to be shifted laterally so as to secure a lateral adjustment of the rib. The bracket 17 is also provided with a central boss 44 having a threaded hole to receive the screw 45. This screw passes through a notch cut in the block 19 and its lower end takes against hen the bracket 17 is to be removed, the turning of the screw 45 operates to sufliciently separate the brackets 17 and 15 to allow of the easy removal of the block. It will also be seen that the profile framing may be vertically adjusted on the stage by operating the screws 45, blocks 19 of varying thicknesses being inserted between the brackets 15 and 17 to suit the requirements.

While the apparatus is shown and described in its preferred or best form, it will be understood that various changes within the skill of a mechanic may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

What is claimed and what is desired to be secured by Letters Patent is 1. In tunnel construction, an elevated traveling stage bridging the tunnel section under construction and supported at front and rear beyond said tunnel section, and providing a clear passage way thereunder.

2. In tunnel construction, an elevated traveling stage bridging the tunnel section under construction and supported at front and rear beyond said tunnel section, and providing a clear passage way thereunder; in combination with adjustable centering means for the front end of said stage.

3. In tunnel construction, an elevated traveling stage bridging the tunnel section under construction and supported at front and rear beyond said tunnel section, and providing a clear passage way thereunder; in combination with profile framing for said tunnel section detachably supported by said traveling stage.

4. In tunnel construction, an elevated traveling stage bridging the tunnel section under construction and supported at front and rear beyond said tunnel section, and providing a clear passage way thereunder; in combination with adjustable centering means for the front end of said stage; and profile framing for said tunnel section detachably supported by said traveling stage.

5. In tunnel construction, an elevated traveling stage bridging the tunnel section under construction and supported at front and rear beyond said tunnel section, and providing a clear passage way thereunder, said stage being provided with supporting side brackets; in combination with profile framing for said tunnel section including ribs provided with brackets arranged to be supported by the brackets of said traveling stage.

6. In tunnel construction, an elevated traveling stage bridging the tunnel section under construction and supported at front and rear beyond said tunnel section, and providing a clear passage way thereunder, said stage being provided with supporting side brackets; in combination with profile framing for said tunnel section including ribs provided with brackets arranged to be supported by the brackets of said traveling stage, and lagging located outside of and secured to said ribs.

7. In tunnel construction, an elevated traveling stage bridging the tunnel section under construction and supported at front and rear beyond said tunnel section, and providing a clear passage way thereunder, said stage being provided with supporting side brackets; in combination with profile framing for said tunnel section including ribs provided with brackets arranged to be supported by the brackets of said traveling stage; and adjustable means for relatively spacing said brackets vertically.

8. In tunnel construction, an elevated traveling stage bridging the tunnel section &

under construction and supported at front and rear beyond said tunnel section, and providing a clear passage way thereunder, in combination with a track running through said passage; and a car bridging said tunnel section and supporting said track.

9. In tunnel construction, an elevated traveling stage bridgingthe tunnel section under construction and supported at front and rear beyond said tunnel section, and

' providing'a clear passage way thereunder;

in combination with profile framing for said tunnel section detachably supported by said traveling stage; a track running underneath said stage; and a car bridging said tunnel section and supporting said track.

11. In tunnel construction, an elevated traveling stage bridging the tunnel section under construction and supported at front and rear beyond said tunnel section, and providing a clear passage way thereunder; in combination with profile framing at the rear of said tunnel section; a track for said stage, that part of said track for the rear of the stage beingv supported by the profile :framing at the rear of the said tunnel section under construction, and that 'part of said track for the front of said stage being supported on the floor of the tunnel in advance of said section.

12. In tunnel construction, an elevated traveling stage bridging the tunnel section under construction and supported at front andgrear beyond said tunnel section, and providing a clear passage way thereunder; in combination with profile framing at the rear of said tunnel section; a track for said stage, that part of said track for the rear of the stage being supported by the profile framing at the rear of said tunnel section under construction, and that part of said track for the front of said stage being supported on the floor of the tunnel in advance of said section; and profile framing for the tunnel section under construction detachably supported by said traveling stage.

13. In tunnel construction, an elevated traveling stage bridging the tunnel section under construction and supported at front and rear beyond said tunnel section, and providing a clear passage way thereunder; in combination with profile framing at the rear of said tunnel section; a track for said stage, that part of said track for the rear of the stage being supported by the profile framing at the rear of said tunnel section under construction, and that part of said track for the front of said stage being supported on the floor of the tunnel in advance of said section; profile framing for the tunnel section under construction detachably supported by said traveling stage; a track running underneath said stage; and a car bridging said tunnel section and supporting said track. I

14. In tunnel construction, profile framing including ribs, said ribs being provided with opposite track brackets and opposite hanger brackets, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

15. In "tunnel construction, an annular sectional rib having its sections detachably connected together and provided with 0pposite track brackets and with opposite hanger brackets, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

16. In tunnel construction, the combination of a stage; profile framing including ribs provided with hanger brackets adapted and designed to be supported by said stage, said hanger brackets having provision for lateral adjustment on said stage; and means for vertically adjusting said hanger brackets on said stage.

In testimony whereof, we have signed our names to this specification, in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

COLEMAN KING. MILTON B. BUNDLE. Witnesses:

IDA Gr. GILMORE, BEATRICE MIRVIS.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. G. 

